The former Royal Marine PT instructor based at Coleg Gwent's Ebbw Vale Campus was named overall Wales Tutor of the Year as well as FE Tutor of the Year in the Inspire Adult Tutor/Mentor Awards 2007.

The annual competition, backed by adult learning advocates NIACE Dysgu Cymru, identifies and rewards outstanding and committed tutors and mentors who have been involved in adult learning in Wales for over three years.

Ted, aged 64 and a father of two, who lives in Llangattock, near Crickhowell, has been teaching for some 20 years. He sees his work take him to several different Adult Learning facilities as a teacher of a range complementary therapies.

In honour of Ted's motto - "It's difficult to soar like an Eagle, when you're surrounded by turkeys" - his students have dubbed themselves "Ted's Eagles".

Rosemond Brown, who nominated Ted for the FE award said: "His enthusiasm, encouragement, knowledge and patience mean that he is held in such high regard.

"His particular strength is being able to empathise. He leads by example and shows that a positive attitude can change anyone's circumstances for the better."

Ted's work to get complementary therapy accepted as a recognised course and his continued efforts to raise the bar on what is expected from his students has garnered him much praise from all attending his classes.

John Griffiths, the Assembly's Deputy Minister for Skills, presented Ted with his award saying: "Adult tutors and mentors are some of the most inspirational people there are and justly deserve the recognition they attract through these well respected and highly prestigious awards.

Richard Spear, NIACE Dysgu Cymru's Director for Wales, added: "The tutors and mentors, like Ted, that have been recognised by these awards represent the very best of their profession in Wales. They represent the talent of adult educators in Wales and act as superb role models for others."

For full details of the awards and of the NIACE Dysgu Cymru Taking Control campaign visit www.taking-control.org.uk

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